Karen J. Simon

She was born Oct. 7, 1950, in Kenneth, Mo., to Vernon and Imojean Bell Rainey, who preceded her in death. On March 1, 1975, she married Daniel R. Simon, who survives in Lima.

Mrs. Simon had worked as a teacherís aide in Fort Wayne, Ind., in the public school system for five years. She then went into floral design at five various high-end flower shops also in Fort Wayne, Ind. In 1998, she and her family moved to Lima and she took a position with Yazelís Colonial Flowers in floral design. Then for the last eight years, she did floral design at Mohlerís Flowers. Some of her Fort Wayne, Ind., involvements included Lady of the Elks Lodge, Northwest Little League and several bowling leagues. She had been a member of the Queens of Angels Catholic Church, also of Fort Wayne, Ind. In Lima, she was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, and was a member of several area bowling leagues. She enjoyed traveling to various county and state fairs. She was extremely artistic, talented and fashionable. She truly loved her dogs: Scruffy, Dusty, Sebastian, Zoe and Dolly. She loved returning to her home state of Florida and spending time on both coasts. She will be remembered for being selfless and always putting other people first. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters. The family would like to acknowledge two of her dearest friends, Marsha Walker, of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Kris Meuschke, of Stryker.

Survivors also include a son, Scott (Shannon) Simon, of Grand Rapids; a daughter, April Simon, of Lima; three granddaughters, Morgan Simon, Brooke Simon and Kendal Simon; two brothers, Neal (Lori) Rainey, of South Carolina, and Barry (Rebecca) Rainey, of Florida; a sister, LeaEtta Rainey, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and a stepsister, Kate Walworth, of Clio, Mich.

She was preceded in death by a stepfather, Dan Ayers; and a sister, Lori Rainey.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Charles Catholic Church. The Rev. Stephen Blum will officiate. Cremains will be scattered at a later date.